My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

Chapter 209 Whoever dares to evade taxes is the mastermind behind the assassination of Chongzhen!
Then, Zhu Cilang explained some other things and let them leave.

But before leaving, Chongzhen warned them again and again with a serious expression not to tell anyone about the conversation so as not to affect the subsequent plans.

Xue Guoguan and others immediately made repeated assurances, and then said goodbye and left.

As they walked out of the palace, the other civil and military officials who were kneeling at the palace gate immediately surrounded them like a tide, and asked anxiously, "What happened?"

"Master Xue, what happened to His Majesty?"

"Your Majesty, have you given me any instructions? Please say something!"

"Duke of England, please tell me, has His Majesty woken up? Or is he still unconscious?"

"Master Li, please tell me, what is going on?"

Facing the crowd's questioning, Xue Guoguan and the others pretended to look grief-stricken and said:

"Everyone, His Majesty is still unconscious, and the imperial physician examined the arrow that struck His Majesty and found it was smeared with arsenic."

what?
When everyone present heard this, they were instantly terrified and pale, and some even started cursing:
"This bunch of damned traitors! How could they be so cruel and ruthless? If I could catch them, I would tear them into pieces!"

Then, Xue Guoguan quickly added:

"However, there is no need to worry too much. The arrow pierced your Majesty's arm directly, and the venom did not remain in your body. Therefore, your Majesty is not in danger of death for the time being. You will probably recover after resting for a while."

"Also, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has issued an order. You all do not need to wait here anymore. Please return to your respective offices and handle your official duties immediately!"

After hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

After all, if Chongzhen really died, an unprecedented disaster would be waiting for them.

Finally, after being persuaded by Xue Guoguan and others, the officials present left one after another.

However, there was one person who was reluctant to get up for a long time. This person was none other than the commander-in-chief of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Luo Yangxing.

Others might be easily dismissed with just one sentence, but Luo Yangxing knew in his heart that his guilt could not be written off so easily.

After all, as the emperor's personal guard, his duty is to protect the emperor. Now that the emperor has been assassinated under his nose, he, as the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, cannot escape the blame!
Just now, he followed Li Ruolian to chase the killer, but he disappeared while chasing.

Worried about Chongzhen's safety, he hurried to the palace gate and knelt down.

Even though everyone had left and he was the only one left at the palace gate, Luo Yangxing still knelt there, quietly waiting for Chongzhen and Zhu Cilang to judge him!

Zhu Cilang naturally knew that Luo Yangxing had been kneeling at the palace gate, but he was too lazy to pay attention to it.

Because he knew that it was time to "deal with" Luo Yangxing, the commander of the Jinyiwei!
After a moment, Zhu Cilang seemed to have thought of something, and then called Fang Zhenghua over and whispered a few words in his ear.

After hearing this, Fang Zhenghua was a little surprised at first, but he nodded and then turned and left.

Soon, he appeared at the palace gate.

When Luo Yangxing saw Fang Zhenghua reappear, he hurriedly knelt forward and asked anxiously:

"Eunuch Fang, is His Royal Highness the Crown Prince willing to see me?"

Fang Zhenghua shook his head expressionlessly and said in a cold tone:

"Lord Luo, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has ordered you to go back first and stop kneeling here."

"If you are interested, then thoroughly investigate who the mastermind behind this assassination is."

After hearing this, Luo Yangxing felt despair.

Then he could only kowtow hard again before slowly turning around and leaving.

At this moment, his heart felt as cold as if it had fallen into an ice cellar.

He knew in his heart that if Zhu Cilang was willing to see him, then the situation might still be able to turn around, but if Zhu Cilang was unwilling to see him, then he would probably be in danger of death this time!

At this moment, Luo Yangxing truly felt an unprecedented sense of crisis.

That afternoon, a piece of news came from nowhere and spread quickly among the officials and nobles in the capital like a gust of wind.

It is reported that those who assassinated the emperor were those who evaded taxes.

They were afraid that the emperor would ask them to pay back taxes owed from previous years after winning the battle, so they hired someone to carry out the assassination!

Upon hearing the news, the officials and nobles in the capital were once again in an uproar.

Because when the taxes were paid before, a large number of officials and nobles were still hoping for luck and refused to pay the taxes.

After all, this is no different from cutting their flesh!
But now when they heard the news, they were frightened out of their wits and rushed to the Ministry of Revenue with silver to pay the additional taxes.

Especially those nobles who had not paid the additional taxes before, they were almost scared to death. They hurriedly moved silver from their own vaults and cellars, crying and shouting that they wanted to pay the additional taxes to the Ministry of Revenue.

He was afraid that if he was a step late, the imperial edict to confiscate his property and exterminate his clan would be delivered to his home, and he would end up with his family destroyed.

After all, according to the news, as long as they evade taxes, they may be regarded as suspects of assassinating the emperor, and they cannot afford this crime!

Even those nobles who had already paid back taxes paid part of the tax again out of extreme panic.

Although they don't need to pay the additional money, paying more at this time seems to make them feel more at ease.

Just like that, that afternoon, a rare spectacle that had not been seen in a century appeared in the capital.

Outside the Household Department, civil and military officials and nobles who came to pay back taxes lined up in a queue thousands of meters long, like a long winding dragon.

The carriages were loaded with white silver, which sparkled brightly under the sunlight.

Those who had no money hurriedly moved the rare treasures in their homes to pay taxes.

In short, they have to pay all the taxes they owe today no matter what.

The officials of the Ministry of Revenue were very busy because they received Ni Yuanlu's instructions and accepted everyone who came.

By evening, the tax collected by the Ministry of Revenue had converted into more than 10 million taels of silver!
Adding to the previous 8 million taels, the Ministry of Revenue received nearly 20 million taels of tax in just three days!
And this is just the amount in the capital!

Upon hearing the news, Chongzhen and Zhu Cilang in the palace looked at each other and smiled, their faces full of pride!

Chongzhen felt that this play was not performed in vain!

However, Zhu Cilang also knew in his heart that after this incident, the money of these nobles and officials' families had probably been squeezed out by him.

I squeezed it out once when I killed Duke Cheng, and again when I killed the eight imperial merchants. Now I squeezed it out again through the assassination!
After these three trips, he extorted nearly 90 million taels of silver from the officials and nobles in the capital alone!
This is more than 20 million taels of silver more than the 70 million taels of silver that Li Zicheng obtained after he captured Beijing in history!

By now, these people probably really don't have much money.

Of course, Zhu Cilang didn't want to kill them all.

As long as these people pay the taxes obediently and pay taxes honestly in the future, the past will not be pursued.

After all, if you squeeze it again, it will look too ugly.

As the crown prince, he still needs to pay a little attention to his reputation.

It was not until the evening that Zhu Cilang returned to the East Palace.

At this time, Zheng Chenggong was still pacing anxiously at the door. Seeing Zhu Cilang finally come back, Zheng Chenggong hurried forward and asked anxiously:

"Your Highness, what happened to His Majesty?"

Zhu Cilang looked at his worried brother-in-law and felt a little sorry for him. He then said:
"Let's go in first and then talk."

Halfway through the journey, Zhu Cilang suddenly thought of something and asked:

"By the way, where are Qiqige and Yebushu now?"

Qiqige is Abunai's sister.

Yebusu was the hostage sent to the Ming Dynasty by Huang Taiji.

Zhu Cilang was so busy with his work before that he forgot about these two people and didn't know where they went.

When Zheng Chenggong heard this, he quickly replied:
"Qiqige returned to the East Palace on her own and is currently living in the room that was arranged for her."

"As for Yebusu, someone has already sent him to the Honglu Temple!"

The Honglu Temple was an institution in the Ming Dynasty that was in charge of court meetings, banquets, and sacrificial rituals. It was also responsible for managing tribute, banquets, gifts, and welcoming and seeing off affairs from the four barbarians.

Similarly, it was also the government office where the Ming Dynasty received foreign envoys.

From this point of view, sending Yebusu to the Honglu Temple is in accordance with the rules.

Zhu Cilang nodded immediately without saying anything.

Anyway, Yebusu is just a mascot, so there is nothing to worry about.

If he had behaved himself, Zhu Cilang would not have bothered to do anything to him.

But if he dared to have any rebellious thoughts, Zhu Cilang would not mind killing him.

It's just a proton anyway, no big deal!
Immediately afterwards, Zhu Cilang brought Zheng Chenggong to Zheng Xiaomei's bedroom.

At this time, Zheng Xiaomei was also waiting anxiously in the house. Seeing Zhu Cilang and Zheng Chenggong walk in, Zheng Xiaomei hurried to greet them and asked anxiously:
"Your Highness, what happened to His Majesty?"

Zhu Cilang first asked Zheng Chenggong to close the door. After making sure that no one was around, he smiled and said:

"Don't worry, Father is fine, and everything is fake. There was no assassination at all. The so-called assassination was just a plan between me and Father!"

what?
When they heard this, Zheng Xiaomei and Zheng Chenggong were stunned for a moment, their faces full of disbelief.

So Zhu Cilang briefly explained the whole process.

There is nothing to hide from the person next to you.

After listening to Zhu Cilang's story, the two gradually reacted.

But they still found it a little unbelievable. After all, it was too outrageous!

The dignified Emperor of the Ming Dynasty and the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty actually took the initiative to plan an assassination against the emperor?

Who would believe this?

But it is the fact
At this moment, Zhu Cilang looked at Zheng Chenggong and said with a smile:
"Don't be angry, brother-in-law. The reason I kept this from you was because I was afraid you wouldn't be able to hide it and it would be easy to reveal the truth later."

Zheng Chenggong hurriedly said:
"Your Highness the Crown Prince did the right thing. If you really told me this, I might really be exposed."

At this time, Zheng Chenggong was not angry at all, but instead looked very moved.

Because Zhu Cilang could have kept it a secret forever, but he told him, which proved that Zhu Cilang really treated him as his own.

On the other side, Zheng Xiaomei also secretly breathed a sigh of relief. In fact, these new policies of the imperial court also had an impact on their Zheng family, because they also had a lot of land in Fujian.

However, their main industry is still maritime trade, and they don't care much about land.

Moreover, all these fields add up to only 20,000 to 30,000 acres, which is a drop in the bucket compared to the profits from maritime trade, so it doesn't matter.

Then, realizing it was getting too late, Zheng Chenggong got up and said goodbye.

Zhu Cilang stayed with Zheng Xiaomei for a while and was ready to leave.

But at this moment, Zheng Xiaomei stopped him and asked with a pleading look:

"Your Highness, can you please not leave tonight?"

When Zhu Cilang heard this, his old face immediately turned red.

But don't get me wrong, he's not embarrassed. After all, he's almost forty years old in his past and present lives combined. What's there to be embarrassed about?

He is afraid of losing face!

Because my body has not fully developed yet, I am afraid that I will be powerless when I go to the battlefield!

But then I thought, sleeping together doesn't necessarily mean anything, so I agreed.

"Well, I won't leave tonight!"

Zhu Cihong laughed.

Afterwards, after a simple wash, the two of them rested!
Of course, although I can't really go to the battlefield, I can still satisfy my desire to fight.
At the same time, the British Mansion.

After a busy day, the Duke of England dragged his tired body back to his mansion in the evening.

He was really exhausted that day. The nobles surrounded him and asked him questions. Some of those who had no money even borrowed money from him to pay taxes.

After all, they have been friends for decades, and the Duke of England couldn't bear to refuse, so today alone he lent out 700,000 taels of silver!

Although it is a bit tiring, it is still worth it because up to now, those nobles have paid all the arrears of taxes!
At this moment, Zhang Shize, who had been waiting in the room, came forward and asked anxiously:

"Father, have you seen His Majesty? How is His Majesty doing?"

The Duke of England looked at his son, whose face was filled with anxiety, and knew that he must not know the inside story, otherwise he would not be so anxious.

However, the Duke of Ying also knew why Zhu Cilang did not tell Zhang Shize the truth.

This is not because they don't trust him, but because Zhang Shize is too young to keep things secret. If he tells him, it will probably be easy for others to notice that something is wrong.

Since the Crown Prince did not tell his own son, the Duke of England naturally would not tell him either.

Then, the Duke of England pretended to be worried and said:

"Don't worry, the imperial physician has examined your majesty. He is fine and will probably wake up tomorrow."

"But the gentry of the Ming Dynasty may be in trouble next."

Zhang Shize heaved a sigh of relief when he heard this.

As for the disaster that the gentry would suffer, he didn't care at all. It had nothing to do with him anyway.

Moreover, he had heard that his family had paid all the land taxes from the first year of Chongzhen to the present, and was not afraid of anyone checking.

This night is destined to be sleepless.

Except for a few people who knew the inside story and were able to sleep peacefully, most officials and nobles tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep, their hearts full of worries and speculations about the future.

Because no one knows how Chongzhen will punish them when he wakes up?
Early the next morning, as the bell for court rang, civil and military officials came to court as usual.

Although such a big thing happened yesterday, the morning court still has to continue.

However, the atmosphere in the court today was obviously very depressing. Everyone was worried, and even their steps became extremely heavy.

After the officials entered the hall one by one, no one spoke. Everyone's eyes were focused on the lofty dragon throne and the position of the regent prince next to it.

Everyone was secretly wondering, after what happened yesterday, would the prince come to supervise the country?

Just as everyone was lost in thought, a sharp voice suddenly came from the palace gate:

"Your Majesty is here!"

When everyone heard this, their expressions were all brightened, and their faces were full of disbelief.

Not
Didn't they say His Majesty was assassinated and in a coma? Why is he here in court today?
Then, everyone turned to look at the palace entrance in great surprise.

Immediately afterwards, they saw several Jinyiwei carrying a sedan chair in, and sitting on the sedan chair was Chongzhen, who had just been assassinated yesterday!
But at this moment, Chongzhen's face was frighteningly pale, and it was obvious that he was still seriously injured.

But of course, these are actually all fake, and Queen Zhou deliberately painted them with some rouge and powder.

If you get closer, you will definitely notice that something is wrong.

But Chongzhen was the emperor. Who would dare to get up to him and look at his expression?

At the same time, Zhu Cilang, the regent prince, was also accompanying him.

When they saw this scene, although the civil and military officials were still confused about what was going on, this did not hinder their next actions.

At once, everyone present knelt down and shouted:
"Long live His Majesty! Long live the Crown Prince!"

After shouting, everyone buried their heads deep in the ground, not daring to look up.

After all, such a big thing happened yesterday, how could they dare to say a word?

Even the few people who knew the inside story chose to pretend to know nothing and just buried their heads in the ground.

With the arrival of Chongzhen, the tense atmosphere in the hall was so thick that it almost became tangible and was simply suffocating.

Chongzhen's eyes were as cold as ice as he slowly swept over the people kneeling on the ground. His eyes seemed to be able to penetrate into people's hearts.

In this way, under the escort of the Embroidered Uniform Guards, Chongzhen finally came to the dragon throne, and then with the support of Wang Chengen, he sat on the dragon throne.

As for Zhu Cilang, he naturally sat beside Chongzhen.

Wang Chengen stood beside Chongzhen with his head lowered. The moment he looked up at Chongzhen, a look of extreme worry flashed in his eyes.

The reason for this is that Wang Chengen did not know that Chongzhen's assassination was actually a plan by Chongzhen and Zhu Cilang.

He thought Chongzhen was really assassinated yesterday!

Zhu Cilang had no intention of telling Wang Chengen the truth.

But don't get me wrong, this is not because I don't trust him, but because Wang Chengen is really not suitable to know such confidential matters.

The reason is very simple, because he is too honest!
If he really knew the truth, given his personality, he would probably reveal his flaws, which would lead to some unexpected events.

So in order for the plan to proceed smoothly, it would be better to let him think that the previous assassination was real.

According to past practice, Wang Chengen should have shouted out: "If you have something to report, please stand up; if not, please leave the court" to announce the start of the morning court!
But the atmosphere in the court today was terribly solemn, and there was obviously no need to say this.

Just like that, the atmosphere in the court instantly fell into an eerie silence.

No one dared to speak, and everyone was prepared to face Chongzhen's wrath!

After a long time, Chongzhen said in a slightly tired but majestic voice:

"Everyone, get up."

When everyone heard this, they did not dare to hesitate and quickly got up.

Immediately afterwards, the court fell silent again, so quiet that one could clearly hear the sound of a needle dropping.

There was no way. Given the current situation, the civil and military officials in the court really didn't know what to say.

As for Xue Guoguan and others who knew the inside story, they did not speak at this time.

Chongzhen looked coldly at the civil and military officials before him, then sneered and said:

"What? You all have nothing to say today?"

"In that case, let me tell you!"

Having said this, Chongzhen suddenly shouted:
"Li Ruolian, get in here!"

As soon as these words came out, it was as if a thunderclap exploded in the hall, shaking many people's bodies.

The next second, Li Ruolian walked quickly into the palace gate with a solemn expression, and then knelt directly in front of Chongzhen.

"Your Majesty, I, Li Ruo Lian, kowtow to you!"

Li Ruolian said this and kowtowed respectfully.

Chongzhen looked at Li Ruolian coldly with a sharp gaze and said:
"Li Ruolian, tell everyone here what you've found out!"

When Li Ruolian heard this, he quickly said:

"Your Majesty, I searched the capital all night yesterday and finally apprehended the traitor who attempted to assassinate Your Majesty!"

"According to that man, he was a desperate criminal suffering from an incurable disease and knew he didn't have much time left."

"Just then, someone found him, gave him a large sum of money, and promised to take care of his family."

"And the price is to assassinate His Majesty!"

"He thought he was about to die, so he took the risk and came to assassinate Your Majesty."

"In addition, the man also confessed that he seemed to have vaguely heard that the person who hired him wanted to assassinate His Majesty because of the tax issue."

"They also say that the taxes in this world no longer belong to the Zhu family. Why should we pay them? The worst that can happen is that we can just change the emperor."

By the time she finished speaking, Li Ruo Lian's voice had already become inaudible, but it was still heard by everyone!
Of course, the so-called capture is just a cover, and no one would really doubt it anyway.

At the same time, the ministers in the court couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.

They looked at each other, thinking:

This guy is really bold. Even if he is tortured into saying such outrageous words, he can't just say them out loud!
Although he knew that all this was originally planned, Chongzhen was still speechless when he heard this.

But soon, he didn't care much anymore.

Then, his originally stern face was instantly shrouded in anger. His eyes widened as if they were about to spit out fire, and the blue veins on his forehead bulged out like angry little snakes twisting.

I am already extremely angry!
(End of this chapter)